She recalled vividly when she first noticed Ricardo. What she saw was a tall handsome young man on the steps of Castro High with a gaggle of giggling girls competing for his attention. Sari momentarily caught his eye even though she made a point of not showing any interest as she walked by. Not so with Ricardo. When he saw this beautiful girl who appeared disinterested, it was desire at first slight. Breaking away from his admirers, he hurried over to Sari, reached for her arm and said, “I saw the way you looked at me--”

The touch of his arm sent a shiver throughout her body. This to her was the culmination of all her fantasies being the girlfriend of the most popular jock in school.

Embarrassed, she responded defensively, “I wasn’t looking at you.” While hoping he would believe her, Sari welcomed Ricardo’s aggressiveness. Being naturally shy she would never have made initial overtures to indicate there was any interest in him. She would have just kept walking.

“Why haven’t I seen you before?” He asked. She wanted to say, “I’ve seen you many times.” Instead she lamely responded, “I guess we don’t have the same classes.” She bit her lips. Here was her opportunity to be charming and impressionable; to herself she sounded like a dud. Ricardo responded with the confidence of one who is always used to being the object of admiration. It was the same coolness he exuded earlier on the baseball diamond when he pitched a ‘one-hitter’ to easily win another game for Castro High.

At seventeen Sari was smart enough to understand why the school populace showered accolades on Ricardo knowing he, more than any other person, was responsible for making their team Number One. She had witnessed enough games to observe his self-assurance and ebullient attitude on the mound, an attitude that rubbed off on his teammates.

Ricardo was eighteen and a superb athlete. His love for baseball was a gene he inherited from his father Rueben, who was also the athletic coach of Castro High.

Sari liked his smile. She saw a combination of innocence, insecurity, and egotism that was further validated by what he said next:

“You know what my friends call me--?”

Sari interrupted, “Conceited?”

Ricardo laughed, “I guess I deserved that.”

She continued, “Of course I know your name--just about every one in school knows.”

“You’re Sari.”

Sari surprised and flattered wondered how the most popular guy in school would know her name. She always admired him from a distance so as not to be seen. They did not attend the same classes. This was his last year at Castro High; she had one year more before graduating.

Sari was one of those young women who never recognized their beauty. She was unaware that beautiful women will often project an air of being ‘untouchable’ and frighten off would be Lotharios. Not knowing what to say she waited for him to carry the conversation.  He volunteered, “I bet I can guess what you’re going to do when you graduate.” Sari laughed, and waited for him to continue.

“An actress.”

“Want to try again?”

“A model?”

Sari flattered, laughed and said, “Nursing is my first choice--”

“For someone as beautiful as you are, that’s an unusual choice.

Sari responded with her own thought. “I know what you’re going to do--”

He said, “You do?”

“Everyone knows you’re going to be a professional ball player.” Expecting an affirmative acknowledgement she was surprised to see Ricardo’s look change in response to what she said. His demeanor changed from one in high spirits to an expression of unhappiness. She touched a sore spot, but was unsure exactly where. She knew that she wasn’t going to pry--but she was curious.

“Sari is a beautiful name.”

Her eyes widened. Was this a smooth line coming from the most popular guy at Castro? She studied his face. His expression was one of sincerity. She decided it was too soon to be sure. It was pleasant however, hearing it from him.

Sari glanced at her watch and remembered she had a responsibility to fulfill. “I must leave. I’m expected home.” She looked at her watch again and said, “In fifteen minutes. ”He volunteered to accompany her.

On the way home Sari related how she had to take care of her sister Juanita, who was only twelve years old. Both parents worked full time six days a week and depended on Sari to be home when her younger sister finished school. She would see that Juanita did her homework and at the same time she would do her own. Sari loved her sister almost like a mother to a child.

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